At his mAJAstys Christmas party

AJA: Buddha Lover

Words and Photos by C. Daniel

Christmas is traditionally a “Devyne” holiday; times to share, spend time with family, and celebrate the birth of Christ. I, on the other hand, embark on a quickie relationship with a high maintenance bitch that is actually over before it begins.

Rather than to eat from her kitchen, she gives me food for thought instead. Her name is AJA, a beautiful yet fiery one that all of the famous Atlanta dames, fellows, and chaps choose to frequent this particular chilly December 23 night in Buckhead. Covering the outside of her posh estate with narrow red carpets and large glass window panes, she takes a visit from numerous powerful and talented individuals: Jermaine Dupri, Usher, Jazze Pha, Kenny Burns, Sean “The Pen” Garrett, Fonzworth Bentley, Dallas Austin, Frank Ski, and Akon just to name a few. The dame even has corporate patrons including Lincoln Luxury Vehicles. She lives in the heart of the Alliance Center, an upscale and exclusive plaza, and is set for the evening to host A Christmas Gala: 007 Black Tie Affair.

AJA, at first glance, throws you off slightly with her every move and what’s within her walls. Her valets outside are very cordial. They greet me, ask my name, wish me luck for the evening, and take good care of my vehicle. Inside is a different story.

You can see and feel the fire in her presence. She drapes herself heavily in scarlet red and burnt orange patterns that even bounce off the wooden floors. Then again, you could catch the vapors. There is a glass panel painting of a heavy green forest placed behind her cozy leather furniture and two tank-sized conga drums. She is seemingly worldly but has a tendency to go over everyone’s head with Chinese. AJA dangles bright orange Chinese letters on her ceiling and even plays a Bruce Lee film with the subtitles on her moderately-sized plasma screen below that. For a minute, I gain a moment of peace, swim in a sea of tranquility, and pray for serenity.

Little do I know, AJA is too rich for my blood. This girl is too much for the average guy. Her private dining room seats close to 50 while her patio can seat three times that many and overlook the elaborate Buckhead skyline. An avid art collector, she is one of the few I’ve seen with a 10-foot tall brass Buddha statue hanging in the center of her narrow dining area. Add in some lotus flowers, I could have had a spiritual awakening.

Across from the statue, the mood suddenly changes. The room goes from this Buddhist feel to a fluorescent yet sensual haven. The seating areas are see-through quadrilateral boxes with various neon lights underneath. The back wall, covered in a red base spotted with gold balls, brings out more of the fire. No, not shaken nor stirred are any of the drinks. I prefer a Mai Tai, saki bomb, or order of dim sum by the deep gold and burnt orange bar areas.

AJA is slightly sexy. She takes me to this tight yet spiral staircase. The lighting is also a deep scarlet red that blinds out the black walls and stairway bars. The small area breathes an erotic overtone that I can’t resist. However, this mood doesn’t last long as I prepare to go meet a colleague and bring him along for the evening. This is also when AJA flips out on me.

One thing is for sure: AJA has the taste for the good life and nothing less. She cares about appearance seriously. Before you even come in between her walls or stand in her presence, she requires everyone to come dressed in their finest formal attire. Men have to be dressed in suits, crushed velvet blazers, ties, and slacks with no exceptions. Women should just come in gowns, formal dresses, and no denim material. Even though I don a black cashmere sweater trimmed in leather around the shoulders, a necktie covered in musical notes and scales, white satin poplin, shiny patent leather shoes, and sharply creased cargo slacks; this is not good enough for her ass. Instead, she has her bouncers and personal staff decline on my entrance into her circle. This is crazy considering she shows me all of her dimensions and estate during the early portion of the evening. Who would think that just an hour and a half later, I would be old news to her? Then, I get my answer why.

It is about midnight and now Christmas Eve. It’s chilly outside, and I’m just waiting for my next move. Suddenly, the crescendo from the helicopter’s propellers starts to override the music inside. Somewhere in between, there is a familiar theme that plays with rough guitars and majestic orchestrated horns. The music sounds like it is fit for a spy (i.e. the James Bond theme music).

The red helicopter, traced with Upfront Megatainment on the body, lands with a rush of flashing lights. Coming towards me and AJA is a triple threat mogul, choreographer, and secret agent 00Stephens (DeVyne Stephens), also the host of the Christmas party. Arriving with Akon, the suave and charismatic spy meets with over 600 close peers to party the night away while the temptress flips on me. I did not get to see Gregg Johnson conducting the holiday champagne toast post arrivals and dancing the night away.

I find out moments later (and even witness) that AJA plays a lot of people (male and female) – turning everyone away without jackets, ties, or a plug on the door. “How superficial is this?” I ask. It’s all good though. No love is lost.

I just have to remember next time to have my game tight before I go to his mAJAsty’s Christmas party.

Special thanks goes out 2 Darnell Clark and everyone @ Image Makers Media Group, LLC 4 their persistence and support. This experience only encourages me 2 be more creative this time around. No love is lost! This piece is also a tribute 2 author/journalist Ian Fleming (1908-1964), the mastermind behind James Bond (Agent 007). Ur style, creativity, and vision (particularly 1963’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”) is the inspiration behind this piece. Thanks a million!!